We’re off to New York very soon, Duggee is off to see his friends at the Doggy Lodge, and this time we’re not eloping (that was so 2017!). It will be my 3rd trip to the city that never sleeps and I CANNOT WAIT! I’m not an expert by any stretch of the imagination – that’s Vicki’s job. She’s been an obscene amount of times and glides around the place like she lives there. That said, I’ve been there enough to be able to think of 5 things you MUST do in New York. Some of them cost money, others are completely free, but they are all achievable and thoroughly recommended.
First up, it’s a simple one – but it’s one of my favourites.
1. Take a Stroll in Bryant Park
Yes, Central Park is massive and lovely, but Bryant Park is a pocket sized little wonder. It’s right in the hustle and bustle of everything, with massive buildings surrounding it. It’s next to the New York Public Library which is a gorgeous building itself. However I recommend you grab a coffee from the little coffee place, and sit on one of Bryant Park’s iconic chairs and just watch the world go by. There’s something so warm and magical about the place. It’s Vicki’s favourite place on earth, and I can understand why – it’s awesome.
2. Ride the Staten Island Ferry
Yeah, that doesn’t sound very appealing – but hold on. You’re going to LOVE this. One of the biggest tourist attractions (literally!) is the Statue of Liberty. Lady Liberty is truly magnificent, you can go and see her, and even climb up her. That’s great – but to really be appreciated, in my opinion you need a little bit of distance between her, and you. The Staten Island Ferry departs every 15-20 minutes in rush hour, and every 30 minutes outside of it. It runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and best of all it’s FREE! You get some amazing views of the New York from the water, and the Statue of Liberty too!
The Staten Island Ferry is used by commuters in rush hour, so I recommend heading there late morning/early afternoon so you’re not getting under the feet of the office workers! Go and do it yourself and you see why it’s on my list of 5 things you MUST do in New York!
3. Go to Grand Central Terminal
Yes, going to Grand Central Terminal is probably the US equivalent of going to Paddington Station in London. But it’s SO bloody beautiful – it’s VAST. Walking into the Main Concourse and just looking around is incredible. It’s not just a transport hub, there are over 90 different shops and restaurants in there too. It is a real architectural masterpiece – don’t just rush through, take a stroll and enjoy it all. We love it so much it’s where we got married!
Don’t forget to go have a look in Tiffany & Co too and marvel at all the shiny stuff.
4. Go for a meal at Scarpetta
So far my 5 Things you MUST do in New York have cost NOTHING. So with all those savings you can definitely treat yourself to a decent meal. If you’re a foodie, New York is AMAZING, you can get a dollar slice of pizza that’s as big as your face and you’ll bloody love it. Scarpetta though, it’s not your ‘dollar slice’ kinda place. It’s not the cheapest place in New York, but it’s not the most expensive either. What it IS is one of the best restaurants you’ll ever go to. Everything about it is spot on, the food, the drink, the service and the atmosphere. The dishes are deceptively simple. I initially scoffed when Vicki said their Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce was the best EVER. But bloody hell. It really is!
Reservations are essential – it’s VERY popular. Go as a treat, go for a celebration, just blummin’ go!
5. Go to the Top of the Rock
If you want stunning views from one of the tallest buildings in New York City then get your butt to the Top of the Rock. The view from the Top of the Rockefeller Center is hard to beat, especially at sunset. It will cost you $10 more, but in my opinion it’s worth every penny. There is a VIP package which essentially cuts all the queues and gets you up to the top even quicker. Even the worst photographer can get an incredible photo of New York from the Top of the Rock! Whilst it IS busy up there – especially at Sunset, it’s not TOO rammed to be uncomfortable. This ‘dancing’ on the Top of the Rock picture was taken at ‘peak’ time, but it looks like we’re completely alone!
There we go, that’s my 5 things you MUST do in New York. I could have written a LOT more, but that’ll do for now. What are your 5 things you MUST do in New York? Drop a comment!
